Surfing Instructor Standards-Intermediate Level

ASI Surfing Instructor Standards: Intermediate Level

Academy of Surfing Instructors (ASI) establishes the global benchmark for intermediate surf instruction.

Below are key operational standards for conducting safe, high-quality intermediate surf lessons and coaching sessions.

1. Approved Location Conditions

Intermediate surfing activities involve deeper water and open wave conditions. Approved locations must meet the following criteria:

  • Wave Type & Height: Beach breaks with clean, peeling (spilling) waves up to 3 feet (1 meter).

  • Seabed & Hazards: Free from submerged or exposed rocks, as well as marine hazards or water pollution.

  • Currents & Shorebreak: Rips present (suitable for wave negotiation), but free from dumping shore break.

  • Wind Conditions: Wind speeds strictly under 20 km/h (approx. 12.5 mph).

2. Mandatory Equipment Standards

  • Surfboards: Soft-top surfboards with flexible fins for progressing surfers, or fiberglass surfboards once student control is demonstrated.

  • Leashes: Suitable leashes securely attached to all boards at all times.

  • Accessories: Surfboard wax (for fibrelass boards) suited to local water temperatures.

3. Instructor Qualification Requirements

Instructors conducting intermediate surf sessions must hold specialized accreditation based on the lesson format:

  • Instructor Certification: ASI Level 2 Surfing Instructor.

    Group Lessons: ASI Level 3 Surfing Coach (required due to varying student skill levels within group environments).

  • Water Safety: Current Surf Rescue Certificate.

  • First Aid: Current Senior First Aid Certificate.

  • Background Check: Official Working with Children Check (as applicable to the country).

4. Student Entry Requirements

  • Minimum Age: No minimum age requirement (subject to individual risk management assessments).

  • Swimming Ability: Must be able to swim 200 metres continuously and able to swim from the surf break back to shore.

5. Student Management & Supervision Ratios

  • Maximum Instructor Ratio:

    Private Lesson Ratio: 1 accredited instructor to 1 student (1:1).
    Group Lesson Coaching: Must be led by an accredited ASI Level 3 Surfing Coach. Group size 1:8 with 2 instructors.

  • Standard Group Density: Maximum 16 students in one water zone at a time. Larger groups must separate along the beach with a minimum buffer distance of 50 metres between groups.

  • High-Traffic Water Conditions: Maximum 8 students per water zone, with a minimum distance of 50 metres maintained from other surf groups.

6. Water Safety & Risk Management

  • Leash Protocol: Students must wear an attached surfboard leash at all times while in the ocean.

  • In-Water Supervision: Instructors must remain in the water close to students throughout the session, including riding waves alongside students for real-time demonstration and safety.

  • Crowd Mitigation: Instructors must avoid high-density surf zones to minimize risks to students and other water users.

  • Board Progression: Students must utilise soft-top beginner boards until they demonstrate consistent board control and confidence before transitioning to fiberglass surfboards.

  • Hazard Assessment: The operational area must be free from other water hazards prior to and during the session.

Operational Safety & Risk Management

The ASI Surfing Instructor Standards provide international benchmark guidelines for safe surf instruction. Instructors must conduct a comprehensive, real-time risk assessment before and during every session—evaluating student physical ability, ocean conditions, and potential environmental hazards. Standards, group sizes, or ratios must be adjusted or scaled down accordingly to prioritise safety if adverse conditions or safety risks arise.